Tag: Debunking “alternate facts” about pesticides used in organic farming

As organically grown food is getting more and more popular, many myths about organic farming have also come up. These myths and rumours lead people to believe that organic techniques are nothing better than conventional techniques, and in some cases even more harmful. It seems that the circulation of these rumours is driven by the insecurity of the food industry about losing customers and profits. Let’s get over some of these myths and move towards growing organic, buying organic.

Myth 1: Organic farming uses pesticides which are even more harmful.

Fact 1: It is true that organic farming uses pesticides. Pesticides are required during farming to keep away pests such as ants, cockroach, flies, and warps. Pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. In organic farming, only natural-based substances are used such as Solanine, Caffeine, Nicotine, Capsaicin, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Oregano, Thyme, Cloves, and Basil. These are good pesticides that are natural and do not have any harmful effects!

Myth 2: Organic products are expensive.

Fact 2: There is no doubt that organic foods are higher in price than the conventional counterparts. However, if you track the amount of money being spent on supplements, daily vitamin doses, medicines, and doctor’s fees for many common as well as fatal ailments which can be avoided through the consumption of organic food, you would realize that organic products are offering better healthcare and thus, actually reducing the amount we are spending on food and health.

Myth 3: It takes longer to grow organic products and the produce is less.

Fact 3: Organic foods do not take longer to grow. The issue is the soil which has already been destroyed by the conventional techniques of farming. To fully replenish the soil to its natural form, it takes around 3 years. A proper strategy can help farmers without incurring loss of produce. Also, it has been noted that organic produce is way more sustainable when it comes to agricultural issues such as droughts. In fact, organic techniques help in getting better produce with less number of seeds and less water.

Myth 4: Harmful fertilizers are being used to grow organic food.

Fact 4: Organic farming techniques do not need harmful fertilizers as the soil on which it’s grown is rich in natural ingredients. Organic fertilizers such as animal and vegetable waste, peat, slurry, guano, crop residue and compost, as well as techniques such as matka manure leave no need for the use of any chemicals on organic farms.

Myth 5: Nobody is buying organic, so why grow it?

Fact 5: Organic food market is growing at a rate of 30%, which is in itself remarkable. There are less number of people who are buying organic, but the more we grow organic the more people will get encouraged to buy organic. It’s still an issue which needs attention, but a little effort to educate ourselves and spread awareness on the benefits of eating organic can help the industry that is working on preserving the natural benefits and reducing chemicals in various food products.